JP6406431B2 - Communication apparatus, communication system, and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a control method in a wireless communication network.

  3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) transmits and receives packet data between two eNBs (eNode B) and UE (User Equipment). The Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems) network has been established.

  FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system that realizes dual connectivity.

  The radio communication system shown in FIG. 18 includes UE1, MeNodeB (Master eNode B, hereinafter referred to as MeNB) 2, SeNodeB (Secondary eNode B, hereinafter referred to as SeNB) 3, and MME (Mobility Management Entity). 4 and S-GW (Serving Gateway) 5.

  MeNB2 is a master cell base station.

  SeNB3 is a secondary cell base station. In addition, the cell (SCG: Secondary Cell Group) under SeNB3 is located in the cover area of the cell (MCG: Master Cell Group) under MeNB2.

  UE1 is a terminal device which receives DL (DownLink) packet data from MeNB2 and SeNB3. Note that the UE 1 transmits UL (UpLink) packet data only to the MeNB 2 or to the MeNB 2 and the SeNB 3.

  The MME 4 is a core network device arranged in a CN (Core Network), and performs C (Control) -plane transmission and UE 1 mobility management.

  The S-GW 5 is a core network device arranged in the CN, and transmits U (User) -plane packet data.

  In addition, MeNB2 and SeNB3 are connected via X2 Interface, and MME4 and S-GW5 and MeNB2 and SeNB3 are connected via S1 Interface.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a C-plane connection configuration in Dual Connectivity.

  As shown in FIG. 19, C-planes are connected. The connection of UE1 in the connection state of Dual Connectivity is only S1-MME between MeNB2 and MME4. Further, the RRC (Radio Resource Control) Connection of the UE 1 is also present only in the radio section with the MeNB 2. That is, there is no RRC connection in the radio section between UE1 and SeNB3. However, SeNB3 may create signal information related to the RRC message to UE1, and transmit the created signal information to UE1 via MeNB2.

  In addition, examples of the U-plane connection configuration in Dual Connectivity include a Split bearer option configuration and an SCG bearer option configuration.

  FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a U-plane connection configuration in the case of the Split bearer option configuration, and FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a Radio Protocol connection configuration in the case of the Split bearer option configuration.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the case of the Split bearer option configuration, the U-plane DL packet data is transmitted only from the S-GW 5 to the MeNB 2 and is not transmitted to the SeNB 3. 20 and FIG. 21, the bearer from the MeNB 2 to the UE 1 is referred to as an MCG bearer, and the bearer from the SeNB 3 to the UE 1 is referred to as an SCG bearer.

  As shown in FIG. 21, UE1, MeNB2, and SeNB3 have a layer configuration including a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, and a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer.

  In MeNB2, the packet data of DL of U-plane received from S-GW5 is received in a PDCP layer. Here, one PDCP layer (the layer on the right side in FIG. 21) of the MeNB 2 transmits some packet data (PDCP PDU (Protocol Data Unit)) to the UE 1 via the cell under its own control. Packet data (PDCP PDU) can be transmitted to UE1 via SeNB3. That is, in the PDCP layer of MeNB2, U-plane packet data can be separated (split).

  By the way, in the radio | wireless communications system which implement | achieves Dual Connectivity, MeNB may change SeNB (Source SeNB) connected with the said MeNB to another SeNB (Target SeNB) with the addition or deletion of SeNB. This is a technique called SeNB Change. When performing SeNB Change, the Source SeNB needs to transfer packet data remaining in the Source SeNB to another device.

  Non-Patent Document 1 stipulates that packet data remaining in the Source SeNB is transferred to the MeNB when performing SeNB Change in the case of the Split bearer option configuration. The packet data transferred from the Source SeNB to the MeNB is then transferred from the MeNB to the Target SeNB.

International Publication No. 2011/158663

3GPP TS 36.300 v12.4.0 (2015-01)

  However, in the method of transferring packet data remaining in the Source SeNB to the Target SeNB via the MeNB, the communication resource between the Source SeNB and MeNB and the communication resource between the MeNB and Target SeNB are used, and the communication line There is a problem that usage is inefficient.

  Therefore, one of the objects that the embodiment disclosed in the present specification intends to achieve is that the second base station (Source SeNB) does not necessarily pass through the first base station (MeNB). It is to provide a base station, a communication system, a method, and the like that make it possible to transmit packet data remaining in a second base station (Source SeNB) to a base station (Target SeNB).

The base station of this embodiment is
A base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives, from the master cell base station, switching information indicating that the master cell base station switches a base station that receives downlink user data,
The transmission unit transmits remaining data to the secondary cell base station when the reception unit receives the switching information.

The base station method of this embodiment is:
A method of a base station in a communication system comprising a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
Receiving downlink user data received from the core network by the master cell base station from the master cell base station;
Transmitting downlink user data received by the receiving unit to the terminal device,
The receiving unit receives, from the master cell base station, switching information indicating that the master cell base station switches a base station that receives downlink user data,
The transmission unit transmits remaining data to the secondary cell base station when the reception unit receives the switching information.

The base station of this embodiment is
A base station in a communication system consisting of a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives data remaining in the secondary cell base station from the secondary cell base station.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the data remaining in the second base station 200 is transmitted from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300 without necessarily passing through the first base station 100. be able to.

1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram of the 2nd base station which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the 3rd base station which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the sequence diagram which showed an example of operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the sequence diagram which showed an example of operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the architecture of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the architecture of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the 2nd base station which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the sequence diagram which showed an example of operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example in which transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message. It is an example in which transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message. It is an example in which transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message. It is an example in which transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message. Is an example of transmission status information is included in the Fo r warding Status frame. Is an example of transmission status information is included in the Fo r warding Status frame. Is an example of transmission status information is included in the Fo r warding Status frame. It is the sequence diagram which showed an example of operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the structure of the radio | wireless communications system which implement | achieves Dual Connectivity. It is an example of the connection structure of C-plane in Dual Connectivity. It is an example of the connection structure of U-plane in the case of a Split bearer option structure. It is an example of the connection configuration of Radio Protocol in the case of a Split bearer option configuration. It is a block diagram of a 2nd base station.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as necessary for clarification of the description.

  A plurality of embodiments described below can be implemented independently or can be implemented in combination as appropriate. The plurality of embodiments have different novel features. Therefore, these multiple embodiments contribute to solving different purposes or problems and contribute to producing different effects.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a communication system according to the present embodiment. The communication system provides communication services such as voice communication and / or packet data communication. Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system includes a first base station 100, a second base station 200, a third base station 300, a terminal device 400, and a core network 500.

  The first base station 100 transmits / receives downlink data and uplink data to / from the core network 500. Here, the downlink data and the uplink data include one or both of a control signal and user data. In addition, the first base station 100 transmits all or part of the downlink user data received from the core network 500 to the second base station 200.

  The second base station 200 transmits the downlink user data received from the first base station 100 to the terminal device 400. Also, the second base station 200 can transmit uplink user data received from the terminal device 400 to the first base station 100.

  The second base station 200 and the third base station 300 are not connected to the core network 500.

  The terminal device 400 receives downlink user data from the first base station 100 and the second base station 200.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the second base station 200 in the present embodiment.

  The second base station 200 includes at least a reception unit 20 and a transmission unit 21.

  The receiving unit 20 receives all or part of the downlink user data received from the core network 500 by the first base station 100 from the first base station 100.

  The downlink user data received by the receiving unit 20 is transmitted to the terminal device 400. Further, the transmission unit 21 transmits all or part of the downlink user data received by the first base station 100 from the core network 500 to the terminal device 400 (hereinafter referred to as a base station for the terminal device 400). When the first base station 100 changes from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300, the transmitting unit 21 retains data remaining in the second base station 200 (hereinafter referred to as remaining data). Part or all) is transmitted to the third base station 300.

  The remaining data may be, for example, downlink user data received by the second base station 200 from the first base station 100, or uplink user data received by the second base station 200 from the terminal device 400. good. Further, the remaining data may be user data or a control signal. Further, the user data may be PDCP PDU or other various data.

  Note that the timing at which the transmission unit 21 transmits the remaining data to the third base station 300 is such that the first base station 100 transfers the base station for the terminal device 400 from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300. It may be when the second base station 200 knows to change. Specifically, for example, the second base station 200 may receive a message such as a SeNB Release Request message from the first base station 100.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the third base station 300 in the present embodiment.

  The third base station 300 includes at least a transmission unit 30 and a reception unit 31.

  The transmission unit 30 can transmit the downlink user data received by the reception unit 31 to the terminal device 400.

  The receiving unit 31 receives all or part of the downlink user data received from the core network 500 by the first base station 100 from the first base station 100. In addition, when the first base station 100 changes the base station for the terminal device 400 from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300, the receiving unit 31 converts the remaining data into the second base station 200. Receive from.

  Next, the operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an operation of the communication system in which the second base station 200 transmits downlink user data (also referred to as DL USER Data: Down Link USER Data) to the third base station 300 as an example.

  In step S10, the core network 500 transmits downlink user data (GTP-PDU # 1 and GTP-PDU # 2) (GTP-PDU: GPRS Tunneling Protocol-Protocol Data Unit) to the first base station 100. The downlink user data transmitted from the core network 500 to the first base station 100 is GTP-PDU.

  In step S <b> 11 and step S <b> 12, the first base station 100 transmits downlink user data received from the core network 500 to the second base station 200. The downlink user data transmitted from the first base station 100 to the second base station 200 is PDCP-PDU.

  In step S13, the third base station 300 transmits the downlink user data (PDCP-PDU # 1) having an SN (Sequence Number) of 1 among the downlink user data received from the first base station 100 to the terminal device. 400.

  In Step A <b> 10, the first base station 100 transmits a SeNB Release Request message to the second base station 200. At this time, the second base station 200 has not transmitted PDCP-PDU # 2 to the terminal device 400. That is, PDCP-PDU # 2 remains in the buffer of the second base station 200. Therefore, the remaining data is PDCP-PDU # 2.

  In step S14, the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data (PCDP-PDU # 2) to the third base station 300.

  In Step A <b> 11, the first base station 100 transmits a UE Context Release message to the second base station 200.

  In step S15, the third base station 300 transmits data (PDCP-PDU # 2) having an SN of 2 to the terminal device 400. Note that the order of step A11 and step S15 may be reversed. Further, the order of step S14 and step A11 may be reversed.

  Next, the operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, as an example, the operation of the communication system in which the second base station 200 transmits uplink user data (also referred to as UL USER Data: Up Link USER Data) to the third base station 300 is illustrated.

  In step S <b> 16, the terminal device 400 transmits uplink user data (PDCP-PDU # 98) to the second base station 200.

  Step A10 is the same as step A10 of FIG.

  In Step A12, the first base station 100 transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to the terminal device 400.

  In step S <b> 17, the terminal device 400 transmits uplink user data (PDCP-PDU # 99) to the second base station 200.

  Step A11 is the same as Step A11 in FIG.

Immediately before the second base station 200 performs the operation of step S18, the second base station 200 has not transmitted PDCP-PDU # 98 and PDCP-PDU # 99 to the first base station 100. That is, both PDCP-PDUs remain in the buffer of the second base station 200.
Therefore, the remaining data is PDCP-PDU # 98 and PDCP-PDU # 99.
In step S18, the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data (PDCP-PDU # 98 and PDCP-PDU # 99) to the third base station 300.

  In step A <b> 13, the terminal device 400 transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to the first base station 100.

  In step S <b> 19, the third base station 300 transmits the uplink user data (PDCP-PDU # 98 and PDCP-PDU # 99) received from the second base station 200 to the first base station 100.

  In step S <b> 20, the first base station 100 transmits uplink user data (PDCP-PDU # 98 and PDCP-PDU # 99) received from the third base station 300 to the core network 500.

  If there is uplink user data received from the terminal device 400 by the second base station 200 from step A11 to step S13, the second base station 200 stores the uplink user data in step S18. It may be transmitted to the third base station 300. Further, step S18 may be performed after step A10. Therefore, for example, the order of step S18 and step A11 may be reversed.

  Note that the second base station 200 may transmit the remaining data to the third base station 300 using the GTP layer. Specifically, the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data from the GTP layer of the second base station 200 to the GTP layer of the third base station 300. The architecture of the communication system in this case is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the first base station 100 includes a PDCP layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, a PHY (Physical) layer, an X2-UP (X2-User Plane) layer, and a GTP. It has at least a layer. The second base station 200 includes at least an X2-UP layer, a GTP layer, a management layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer. The third base station 300 includes at least a GTP layer, a management layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer.

  When the first base station 100 transmits downlink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 1 and PDCP-PDU # 2) to the second base station 200, X2- The UP layer is used.

  On the other hand, the second base station 200 transmits downlink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 2) and / or uplink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 99) to the third base station 300. In this case, the second base station 200 transmits the downlink user data and / or the uplink user data to the third base station 300 using the GTP layer.

  As described above, when the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data to the third base station 300 using the GTP layer, the architecture defined in the 3GPP standard specification existing at the time of filing of the present application is not used. This embodiment can be implemented without making any changes.

  Further, the second base station 200 may transmit the remaining data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer. Specifically, the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data from the X2-UP layer of the second base station 200 to the X2-UP layer of the third base station 300. The architecture of the communication system in this case is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the first base station 100 includes at least a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, a PHY layer, an X2-UP layer, and a GTP layer. The second base station 200 includes at least an X2-UP layer, a GTP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer. The third base station 300 includes at least an X2-UP layer, a GTP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer.

  When the first base station 100 transmits downlink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 1 and PDCP-PDU # 2) to the second base station 200, X2 is used to transmit the downlink user data. -The UP layer is used.

  Further, the second base station 200 transmits downlink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 2) and / or uplink user data (for example, PDCP-PDU # 99) to the third base station 300. In this case, the second base station 200 transmits the downlink user data and / or the uplink user data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer.

  As described above, the second base station 200 can also transmit the remaining data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the terminal device that communicates with the first base station 100 and the second base station 200 is only the terminal device 400, but the above-described embodiment is not limited to this configuration. . Next, an example in which there are a plurality of terminal devices that communicate with the first base station 100 and the second base station 200 will be described.

  For example, when there are two terminal devices that communicate with the first base station 100 and the second base station 200, the terminal device 400 and the terminal device 405, the first base station 100 is included in the communication system. A base station (base station for the terminal device 400) that transmits all or part of the downlink user data received from the core network 500 to the terminal device 400, and a downlink user received from the core network 500 by the first base station 100 There is a base station that transmits all or part of the data to the terminal device 405 (hereinafter referred to as a base station for the terminal device 405). One base station may serve as the base station for the terminal device 400 and the base station for the terminal device 405. Specifically, for example, the second base station 200 may serve as a base station for the terminal device 400 and a base station for the terminal device 405.

  When the first base station 100 changes only the base station for the terminal device 400 from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300, the second base station 200 The uplink user data received from the device 400 and the downlink user data for the terminal device 400 received by the second base station 200 from the first base station 100 are transmitted to the third base station 300. That is, the remaining data transmitted from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300 includes the uplink user data received by the second base station 200 from the terminal device 400 and the first base station 200 receiving the first data. Downlink user data for the terminal device 400 received from the base station 100.

  The first base station 100 sends an address indicating to which base station the second base station 200 should transmit part or all of the remaining data to the second base station 200 (hereinafter referred to as address information). May be notified). The address information may include one or both of information indicating the first base station 100 and information indicating the third base station 300.

The second base station 200 that has received the address information from the first base station 100 may determine a destination base station that transmits part or all of the remaining data based on the address information.
When the address information received from the first base station 100 includes both information indicating the third base station 300 and information indicating the first base station, the second base station 200 The remaining data may be transmitted to the base station, or the remaining data may be transmitted to both base stations. If there is a problem in data transmission / reception between the second base station 200 and the first base station 100 or between the second base station 200 and the third base station 300 for some reason, The second base station 200 may transmit the remaining data using the path on which no problem has occurred. Even when the address information received from the first base station 100 includes both information indicating the third base station 300 and information indicating the first base station, the second base station 200 If the third base station 300 does not have an X2 interface, the remaining data may be transmitted to the third base station 300 via the first base station 100.

  In addition, when applying this embodiment to Dual Connectivity, as for each apparatus in the communication system shown in FIG. 1, the 1st base station 100 may be called MeNB, and the 2nd base station 200 may be called SeNB (Source SeNB). The third base station 300 corresponds to SeNB (also referred to as Target SeNB), and the core network 500 corresponds to S-GW.

  As described above, in the communication system according to the present embodiment, the second base station 200 is changed from the second base station 200 to the third base station 300 without necessarily passing through the first base station 100. The remaining data can be transmitted.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the second base station 200 transmits the remaining data to the third base station 300 without going through the first base station 100. Therefore, the first base station 100 cannot know what is the remaining data held by the third base station 300. In the present embodiment, a technique for solving this problem is further provided.

  The configuration example of the communication system in the present embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first base station 100, the second base station 200, the third base station 300, the terminal device 400, and the core network 500 in the first embodiment are respectively connected to the first base station 110. , Second base station 210, third base station 310, terminal device 410, and core network 510.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the second base station 210 in the present embodiment.

  The second base station 210 includes at least a reception unit 22 and a transmission unit 23.

  The receiving unit 22 receives all or part of the downlink user data received from the core network 510 by the first base station 110 from the first base station 110.

  Similar to the transmission unit 10 of the first embodiment, the transmission unit 23 transmits all or a part of the downlink user data received by the first base station 110 from the core network 510 to the terminal device 410 ( Hereinafter, when the first base station 110 changes from the second base station 210 to the third base station 310, the second base station 210 remains (remaining). Data (hereinafter referred to as residual data) is transmitted to the third base station 310. Further, the transmission unit 23 according to the present embodiment transmits the remaining data to the third base station 310, and then transmits information on the data transmitted to the third base station 310 (hereinafter referred to as transmission) to the first base station 110. Send status information). The transmission status information may be incorporated in a message such as an SN Status Transfer message. A specific example of the transmission status information will be described later.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation of the communication system in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an operation of the communication system when the second base station 210 transmits downlink user data to the third base station 310 as an example.

  In step S10, the core network 510 transmits downlink user data (GTP-PDU # 1 and GTP-PDU # 2) to the first base station 110. Downlink user data transmitted from the core network 510 to the first base station 110 is GTP-PDU.

  In Step S11 and Step S12, the first base station 110 transmits downlink user data received from the core network 510 to the second base station 210. Downlink user data transmitted from the first base station 110 to the second base station 210 is PDCP-PDU.

  In step S <b> 13, the third base station 310 transmits, to the terminal device 410, downlink user data (PDCP-PDU # 1) having an SN of 1 among the downlink user data received from the first base station 110. .

  In Step A <b> 10, the first base station 110 transmits a SeNB Release Request message to the second base station 210. At this time, the second base station 210 has not transmitted PDCP-PDU # 2 to the terminal device 410. That is, PDCP-PCU # 2 remains in the buffer of the second base station 210. Therefore, the remaining data is PDCP-PCU # 2.

  In Step A12, the first base station 110 transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to the terminal device 410.

In step A13, the terminal device 410 to the first base station 110 transmits an RRC Conn e ction Reconfigurion Complete message.

  In step S <b> 14, the second base station 210 transmits the remaining data (PCDP-PCU # 2) to the third base station 310.

  In Step A14, the second base station 210 transmits an SN Status Transfer message to the first base station 110. The SN Status Transfer message includes transmission status information.

  In Step A15, the first base station 110 transmits a UE Context Release message to the second base station 210.

  In step S15, the third base station 310 transmits downlink user data (PDCP-PDU # 2) having an SN of 2 to the terminal device 410. Note that step A15 may be performed between step S14 and step A15. Moreover, step S15 should just be performed after step S14.

  Note that when the second base station 210 transmits the remaining data to the third base station 300 using the GTP layer, the transmission status information may be included in the SN Status Transfer message. FIG. 10 shows an example in which transmission status information when the remaining data is downlink user data is included in the SN Status Transfer message. The transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs and DL COUNT Value in FIG. 10 when the length of PDCP-SN is not 15 bits. On the other hand, when the length of the PDCP-SN is 15 bits, the transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDU Extended and DL COUNT Value Extended in FIG. Each information element shown in FIG. 10 has a meaning described later.

  The E-RAB ID is information for identifying the E-RAB.

Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs is information indicating whether the PDCP PDU of each SN has been transferred. Specifically, when Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs is 0, it indicates that a PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN is not transferred (PDCP PDU has not forwarded). Also, if Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs is 1, PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN indicating that has been transferred (PDCP PDU has been forwarded corr e ctly). Incidentally, SN indicating the Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs is 0 or 1 is SN represented by initially transferred a PDU number (First Fo r warded PDU Number) to the bit position (bit Position) plus number .

  The DL COUNT Value indicates the PDCP-SN and HFN (Hyper Frame Number) of the DL PDU (first forwarded DL PDU) transferred first.

  Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs Extended is the same information as Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs. Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs Extended is information used when the length of PDCP-SN is 15 bits.

  DL COUNT Value Extended is the same information as DL COUNT Value. DL COUNT Value Extended is information used when the length of PDCP-SN is 15 bits.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows an example in which the transmission status information when the remaining data is uplink user data is included in the SN Status Transfer message. Note that the transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs and UL COUNT Value in FIG. 11 when the length of the PDCP-SN is not 15 bits. On the other hand, when the length of the PDCP-SN is 15 bits, the transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs Extended and UL COUNT Value Extended of FIG. Each information element shown in FIG. 11 has a meaning described later.

  The Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs is information indicating whether or not the PDCP PDU of each SN has been transferred. The Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs are the same information elements as the Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs, but the former (Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs) is information on the UL PDCP PDUs. The latter (Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs) is different in that it is information on DL PDCP PDUs.

  The UL COUNT Value indicates the PDCP-SN and HFN (Hyper Frame Number) of the UL PDU (first forwarded UL PDU) transferred first.

  Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs Extended is the same information as Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs. Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs Extended is information used when the length of PDCP-SN is 15 bits.

  UL COUNT Value Extended is the same information as UL COUNT Value. UL COUNT Value Extended is information used when the length of PDCP-SN is 15 bits.

  Further, when the second base station 210 transmits data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer, the transmission status information may be included in the SN Status Transfer message. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the transmission status information when the remaining data is downlink user data is included in the SN Status Transfer message. Note that the transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of DL PDCP PDUs and DL X2-UP SN in FIG.

  DL X2-UP SN indicates the X2-UP SN of the first forwarded DL PDU (DL PDU).

  FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the transmission status information when the remaining data is uplink user data is included in the SN Status Transfer message. Note that the transmission status information is Forwarded Status Of UL PDCP PDUs and UL X2-UP SN in FIG.

  UL X2-UP SN indicates the X2-UP SN of the first forwarded UL PDU (UL PDU).

Also, if the second base station 210 transmits data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer, the transmission status information, it may be included in the Fo r warding Status frame. 14 shows an example of transmitting status information if the residual data is a user data downlink is included in the Fo r warding Status frame. Each information element shown in FIG. 14 has a meaning described later. The transmission status information is First forwarded DL X2-U Sequence Number and DL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap shown in FIG.

  First forwarded DL X2-U Sequence Number indicates the first X2-U sequence number (first X2-U sequence number).

DL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap indicates the PDU transfer status (forwarded status of the PDU). Specifically, when DL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap is 0, it indicates that a PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN has not been transferred (PDCP PDU has not forwarded). Also, if the DL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap is 1, PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN indicating that has been transferred (PDCP PDU has been forwarded corr e ctly).

15 shows an example of transmitting status information if the residual data is a user data uplink is included in the Fo r warding Status frame. Each information element shown in FIG. 15 has a meaning described later. Note that the transmission status information is First forwarded UL X2-U Sequence Number and UL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap in FIG.

  First forward UL X2-U Sequence Number indicates the first X2-U sequence number (first X2-U sequence number).

UL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap indicates the PDU transfer status (forwarded status of the PDU). Specifically, when UL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap is 0, it indicates that a PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN has not been transferred (PDCP PDU has not been forwarded). Also, if the UL X2-U Sequence Number bitmap is 1, PDCP PDU having a corresponding SN indicating that has been transferred (PDCP PDU has been forwarded corr e ctly).

Incidentally, if the residual data comprises both user data in the user data and the downlink of the uplink may incorporate a transmission status information for the user data transmission status information and the downlink of the user data up to one Fo r warding Status frame . Shows the Fo r warding Status frame in this case is shown in FIG. 16.

  In the communication system according to the above-described embodiment, the first base station 110 can know what residual data the third base station 310 has.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, information related to data transmitted from the second base station 210 to the third base station 310 is transmitted from the second base station 210 to the first base station 110. However, when the second base station 210 tries to transmit the information to the first base station 110, the link between the first base station 110 and the second base station 210 is already disconnected. There is also. In the present embodiment, a technique for solving this problem is further provided.

  Note that the link between the first base station 110 and the second base station 210 is set for each terminal device. When a link for the terminal device 410 is established between the first base station 110 and the second base station 210, the first base station 110 and the second base station 210 are connected to the terminal device 410. Various information can be transmitted and received using the link.

  The configuration example of the communication system and the configuration of each device in the present embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  The operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, as an example, an operation of a communication system in which downlink user data is transmitted from the second base station 210 to the third base station 310 is shown.

  Steps S10 to S14 and steps A10 to A13 are the same as the operations described in the second embodiment.

  In Step A15, the first base station 110 transmits a UE Context Release message to the second base station 210.

  Step A14 is the same as the operation described in the second embodiment.

  In step S15, the third base station 310 transmits data (PDCP-PDU # 2) having an SN of 2 to the terminal device 410. Note that the order of step A14 and step S15 may be reversed.

  In Step A <b> 15, the third base station 310 transmits an SN Status Transfer message to the first base station 110. Note that the SN Status Transfer message includes transmission status information.

  When the second base station 210 transmits data to the third base station 300 using the GTP layer, the transmission status information may be included in the SN Status Transfer message. An example in which the transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message is as shown in FIGS.

  Further, when the second base station 210 transmits data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer, the transmission status information may be included in the SN Status Transfer message. An example in which the transmission status information is included in the SN Status Transfer message is as shown in FIGS.

Also, if the second base station 210 transmits data to the third base station 300 using the X2-UP layer, the transmission status information, it may be included in the Fo r warding Status frame. Examples of transmission status information is included in the Fo r warding Status frame is 14, is as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

  In the communication system according to the above-described embodiment, even when there is no link between the first base station 110 and the second base station 210, the second base station 210 passes through the third base station 310. Thus, the transmission status information can be transmitted to the first base station 110.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the present embodiment has been described by taking as an example the case where the Split bearer option configuration is used as the U-plane connection configuration in Dual Connectivity. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the SCG bearer option configuration is used as the configuration. When using the SCG bearer option configuration, the second base station 210 and the third base station 310 are different from the above-described embodiment in that they are connected to the core network. The operation of the base station 310 is the same as that in the above-described embodiment.

  The second base station 200 or 210 according to each of the above embodiments may have a configuration other than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. FIG. 22 shows a configuration of a second base station 220 that is a modification of the second base station 200 or 210 according to each of the above-described embodiments.

  The second base station 220 includes at least a reception unit 24, a transmission unit 25, a control unit 26, and a memory 27.

  The receiving unit 24 is the same as the receiving unit 20 or the receiving unit 22.

  The transmission unit 25 is the same as the transmission unit 21 or the transmission unit 23.

  The control unit 26 controls components included in the second base station 220. For example, the control unit 26 may control a transmission address or the like and change a destination to which the transmission unit 25 transmits information.

  The memory 27 stores various data received by the second base station 220 from the first base station and various data received by the second base station 220 from the terminal device.

  It should be noted that the term “transmission” used in this specification, drawings, and claims may mean transfer.

  Each process of the above-described embodiment may be executed by software. That is, a computer program for performing each process may be read and executed by a CPU provided in the information processing apparatus. Even if each process is performed using a program, the same process as the process of the above-described embodiment can be performed. The above program may be stored in a non-transitory medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a magneto-optical disk. .

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
A base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives, from the master cell base station, switching information indicating switching a base station that receives downlink user data from the master cell base station,
The transmitting unit transmits remaining data to the secondary cell base station when the receiving unit receives the switching information.
base station.

(Appendix 2)
The base station according to appendix 1, wherein the remaining data is downlink packet data received from the master cell base station.

(Appendix 3)
The base station according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the remaining data is uplink packet data received from the terminal apparatus.

(Appendix 4)
The transmission unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station when there is a malfunction in a line with the master cell base station.
The base station according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3.

(Appendix 5)
The transmitter, after transmitting the remaining data to the secondary cell base station, to the master cell base station, to transmit the first information regarding the data transmitted to the secondary cell base station,
The base station according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 4.

(Appendix 6)
The transmitter, after transmitting the remaining data to the secondary cell base station, to the secondary cell base station, to transmit the first information regarding the data transmitted to the secondary cell base station,
The base station according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 5.

(Appendix 7)
The transmitter transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station on the X2-UP layer.
The base station according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6.

(Appendix 8)
Wherein the first information is contained in the Fo r warding Status frame, group Chikyoku according to Appendix 7.

(Appendix 9)
The base station according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station on a GTP layer.

(Appendix 10)
The base station according to appendix 9, wherein the first information is included in the SN Status Transfer message.

(Appendix 11)
A method of a base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
Receiving downlink user data received from the core network by the master cell base station from the master cell base station;
Transmitting downlink user data received by the receiving unit to the terminal device,
The receiving unit receives, from the master cell base station, switching information indicating that the master cell base station switches a base station that receives downlink user data,
The transmitting unit transmits remaining data to the secondary cell base station when the receiving unit receives the switching information.
Method.

(Appendix 12)
A base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives data remaining in the secondary cell base station from the secondary cell base station,
base station.

  This application claims the priority on the basis of Japanese application Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-061849 for which it applied on March 25, 2015, and takes in those the indications of all here.

1 UE
2 MeNodeB
3 SeNodeB
4 MME
5 S-GW
20, 22, 24, 31 Receiving unit 21, 23, 25, 30 Transmitting unit 26 Control unit 27 Memory 100, 110 First base station 200, 210, 220 Second base station 300, 310 Third base station 400 , 410 terminal device 500, 510 core network

Claims (9)

A base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives, from the master cell base station, switching information indicating that the master cell base station switches a base station that receives downlink user data,
When the receiving unit receives the switching information, the transmitting unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station ,
When transmission / reception of information cannot be performed between the base station and the master cell base station, the transmission unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station, and then transmits the remaining data to the master cell base station. The base station which transmits the 1st information regarding the data transmitted to the cell base station via the secondary cell base station. The transmission unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station when there is a malfunction in a line with the master cell base station.
The base station according to claim 1. The transmitter, after transmitting the remaining data to the secondary cell base station, to the secondary cell base station, to transmit the first information regarding the data transmitted to the secondary cell base station,
The base station according to claim 1 or 2 . The transmitter transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station on the X2-UP layer.
The base station as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 . The base station according to claim 4 , wherein the first information regarding the data transmitted to the secondary cell base station is included in a Forwarding Status frame. The base station according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the remaining data to the secondary cell base station on a GTP layer. The base station according to claim 6 , wherein the first information related to data transmitted to the secondary cell base station is included in an SN Status Transfer message. A method of a second base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
Downlink user data received from the core network by the master cell base station, received from the master cell base station,
The user data before Ki受 signal and downlink have to be transmitted to the terminal device,
The switching information indicating that the previous SL master cell base station switches the base station to receive the user data of the downlink, received from the master cell base station,
When receiving a pre-Symbol switching information, and transmits the data remaining in the secondary cell base station,
When information cannot be transmitted and received between the second base station and the master cell base station, the remaining data is transmitted to the secondary cell base station, and then the secondary cell base is transmitted to the master cell base station. A method of transmitting first information related to data transmitted to a station via the secondary cell base station . A base station in a communication system including a master cell base station, a secondary cell base station, a core network and a terminal device,
A receiving unit for receiving, from the master cell base station, downlink user data received by the master cell base station from the core network;
A transmission unit that transmits downlink user data received by the reception unit to the terminal device;
The receiving unit receives data remaining in the secondary cell base station from the secondary cell base station ,
When information cannot be transmitted and received between the master cell base station and the secondary cell base station, the receiving unit receives the remaining data from the secondary cell base station, and then from the secondary cell base station, Receiving first information regarding data received from the secondary cell base station;
The transmission unit is a base station that transmits the first information to the master cell base station.

Images